Saponins and Their Role in Immunomodulation and Cancer Therapy

Saponins represent a crucial group of plant-based secondary compounds. These macromolecules are categorized into two types: triterpenoid and steroid glycosides, whose structures vary depending on the number and position of the attached sugar units. Plant saponins benefit the immune system by stimulating organ growth and development through multiple signaling routes. Furthermore, they manage immune cell function and trigger the generation of antigen-specific antibodies and cytokines, which leads to the activation of the immune response. Saponins display anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell growth, preventing metastasis, blocking angiogenesis and controlling drug resistance as well as autophagy. Saponins exhibit anti-cancer activities via targeting NF-κB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Furthermore, saponins used in combination treatment increase the susceptibility of chemoresistant tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Saponins, as bioactive components, have considerable potential in the development of innovative therapeutics for cancer and immune-related disorders. Overall, this chapter emphasizes the importance of saponins as prospective bioactive molecules with therapeutic applications in immunomodulation and cancer.